Golding defends special prosecutor bill

Prime Minister of Jamaica - Bruce Golding

Prime Minister Bruce Golding this afternoon fired a jab at some Members of Parliament who have urged caution in the way the special prosecutor's bill proposes to charge public officials for corruption.

Golding was responding to concerns raised by Government Member of Parliament (MP) Clive Mullings, who criticised a provision in the bill which requires public officials to prove if they came by their assets by lawful means.

"We appear to be a little nervous now because this one affects us," Golding said.

The contentious provision states that public officials can be put before the courts to account for properties in the names of other persons who are suspected to be holding the assets in trust.

Mullings said the provision makes a mockery of the criminal law as it puts the burden of proof on the accused rather than the state.

However, Golding and Opposition MP Dr Peter Phillips say the Parliament have passed legislation with similar provisions such as those specified in the special prosecutor bill.

The Prime Minister said the provision is intended to capture corrupt officials who put assets in the names of third party.

"That's the only way that we are going to be able to get to people who have ventured or demonstrated the expertise to undermine systems," Golding said.